Introduction:

This page summarizes the sites associated with the life of the prophet Elijah.

Elijah was one of the important Biblical prophets, who lived in the 9th century BC during the times of King Ahab and his wicked queen Jezebel. Elijah is regarded by all faiths (Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze) as a healer, a miracle maker, and a great hero who stood against the might of Kings and false prophets. He is incorporated in many of the religious accounts (such as the transfiguration of Jesus) and traditions.

Elijah operated in the area of the Carmel and the northern parts of Israel, and left his name and memory of events in many Biblical and ancient places. This page summarizes the sites where Elijah operated, and are featured in BibleWalks.com.

East edge of Mount Carmel – Keren Carmel (Mukhraka) – the traditional place of the victory of prophet Elijah over the Baal prophets.

Biblical References:

1 Kings 17: 1

Elijah came from the Gilead, east of the Jordan river, and was a prophet during the rein of King Ahab of the North kingdom of Israel. “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word”.

1 Kings 18: 40

This is the text on Elijah the prophet and the slaughter of the Baal prophets. King Ahab contested the prophet against his false prophets, and Elijah -with the help of the true God – prevailed. He slaughtered the 450 Baal prophets in the Kishon riverside, somewhere around this site. “…And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there”.

1 Kings 18: 45-46: “And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel”.

At the end of the contest Ahab returns back to the city, which became the winter capital of the Kings of Israel.

A Carmelite monastery and church on the west top side of the Carmel. The structure was rebuilt in the 19th century, and is one of the most popular sites in Haifa. According to the tradition, a small cave in the church is where Elijah stayed.

1 Kings 19: 2: Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah… And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah…”

The monastery is named after prophet Elijah (St. Elias), who according to tradition stopped here on his way to the south while fleeing from the anger of queen Jezebel, after slaying the Baal prophets on the Carmel.

Elijah’s “watermelons” – These stones are quartz balls, the size of various sizes such as a golf ball or melon; if the stone is broken it has a colored inner texture.

1 Kings 19:9: “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?”.

St. George Koziba is a cliff hanging Byzantine monastery in the valley of Wadi Qelt, near Jericho. According to tradition, the place where Elijah hid in the desert.

Etymology (behind the name):

Elijah – The prophet. In Hebrew: Eliyahu. Means in Hebrew: Eli (my God) + Yahu (the Lord, the Hebrew God). Thus the name means “The Lord is my God”. Elijah came from a place called Tishbi, in the region of Gilad – east to the Jordan river.

Biblical reference: 1 Kings 17:1: “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word”.

Elias – Greek for “Elijah” the prophet. Elijah plays an important role in the Greek-Orthodox church. According to the tradition and Biblical texts, Elijah gave his spirit and power to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.